‘A star to be shared’ – Irish circus icon Marrion Fossett dies aged 71 & tributes pour in for ‘irreplaceable’ performer

IRISH circus legend Marion Fossett has died at the age of 71 following a period of illness.

The much-loved entertainer, who spent a lifetime under the big top and was known as “one of the best” in Irish circus history, passed away in Dublin last night.

Marion was part of the popular family-run Fossett’s Circus, which is a family business that has travelled the country entertaining generations since the late 1880s.

She first entered the circus ring at just 18-months-old – making her debut in a basket on an elephant.

Over the decades, she mastered a wide range of performance skills and became known as an accomplished aerialist, contortionist and sword balancer.

Marion once summed up her lifelong connection to the circus by saying: “You can shake the sawdust from your feet, but you never shake it from your blood.”

Tributes have been pouring in for the beloved entertainer.

Her brother Eddie Fossett said: “She loved what she did. She was the face of Fossett’s Circus, we are so proud of her.”

Her niece Sonya Fossett remembered her as a showgirl who loved her feathers and sequins, adding: “She was a singer, an actress… she was a star to be shared.”

Family friend Charles O’Brien described Marion as a performer who was at the “top of her craft” and took immense pride in bringing joy to audiences across Ireland.

He said: “She was very much aware of the fact she brought a smile to people’s faces around the country.

“Marion would stand in the middle of the ring twice a day, six days a week and she could see every single face.

“She effectively was born on the show as the entire family were. That was the heyday of circus.”

Charles also recalled how Marion successfully made the “rare” transition from the circus world into mainstream entertainment during the 1970s.

While living in London, she performed in leading cabaret venues and appeared on popular Saturday night television programmes, including Seaside Special.

Her varied career also included acting roles on stage and screen, while many will also remember her as a member of the girl group Sheeba alongside Maxi and Frances Campbell.

The trio represented Ireland at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1981.

Charles said: “This predated the Spice Girls. They were the number one.”

Her niece Sonya added: “She made her own career from that. She did the Eurovision and six national song contests.”

After her dad became ill, Marion returned home to Ireland and resumed her role within the family circus business.

She also co-presented The Big Top, which was a popular RTE series that brought circus life into homes across the country.

Relatives described her as “meticulous” with circus performance and said she always ensured the highest standards were maintained.

Away from the spotlight, her nieces remembered a devoted aunt who always put family first, saying that “the kettle was always on”.

They said the family remained “particularly close”, living, working and travelling together throughout much of their lives.

Charles recalled their last holiday together in Paris, where Marion’s wish was to take in as many shows as possible, including Moulin Rouge.

He said: “She lived, ate and slept entertainment.”

Throughout her career, Marion spoke openly about the changes the circus industry made amid growing concerns surrounding animal welfare.

She remained an active ringmistress until April this year, continuing to travel the country with Fossett’s Circus.

The family business traditionally spent 42 weeks of the year on the road.

Charles said: “It’s the nature of the business. Every single year, Marion Fossett and her family arrived into parishes and villages. People feel they know her.

“People who met her would say, ‘You live in a caravan, what’s it like?’ While Marion had a home in Dublin, her choice was to stay on the road for most of the year.”

Her sister Angela added: “It is her voice we are going to miss. The gap she leaves is irreplaceable.”

She recalled how Marion’s last words to the family were: “You’ve got to continue on with the show.”